Daily Current Affairs Quiz December 11 2025

1. Trade & Tariffs: Mexico’s Senate approved tariffs (up to 50%) on imports from India and other Asian countries. US lawmakers (e.g. Rep. Huizenga) reaffirmed a strong “defining” partnership with India.

2. US Immigration: President Trump’s administration launched a wealthy “Gold Card” visa (US$1 million investment for permanent residency) and proposed requiring foreign visitors’ social media history on visa forms.

3. Global Politics: Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. In Morocco, emergency crews rescued survivors after a multi-story building collapsed in Fez (casualties reported).

1. Global Rates: The US Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points on Dec 10, 2025. This led the Indian rupee to tumble to a new record low (around ₹90.46 = US$1).

2. Exports & Currency: India’s merchandise exports jumped ~15% in November (to about $36 billion) due to market diversification. Despite US tariffs, growth in markets like China and Spain drove this rise.

3. Trade Negotiations: India and the EU intensified talks on the pending Free Trade Agreement, focusing on the still-outstanding “core” chapters.

4. Civil Aviation: In response to widespread flight delays, the DGCA has summoned top IndiGo executives to explain operational disruptions. (The airline meanwhile offered ₹10,000 travel vouchers to heavily-impacted passengers.)

1. Space Mission: ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed that India’s first manned-space program Gaganyaan is on track: the first uncrewed test flight is scheduled for late December 2025.

2. Analog Space Research: Aaka Space (India’s first space-architecture/analog company) led India’s participation in the world’s largest Moon/Mars analog simulation mission, operating a solar-powered habitat in Gujarat. This marked India’s debut in a global space simulation campaign.

1. Global Environment: A major UNEP “Global Environment Outlook” report warned that unsustainable food and fossil-fuel production are causing roughly $5 billion of environmental damage per hour, urging urgent systemic reforms.

2. Biodiversity Risk: An Oxford-led study finds that nearly 8,000 land vertebrate species (amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles) could face extinction risk by 2100 due to the combined effects of extreme-heat events and land-use change. The research highlights the urgent need for coordinated climate and habitat protection.

1. India–Russia Arms Talks: For the first time since 2022, several top Indian defense firms (including Adani Defence and Bharat Forge) held secret talks in Moscow on joint weapons ventures. These discussions (part of preparations for President Putin’s early-Dec visit to India) aim to shift India–Russia ties toward co-development of military hardware.

2. India–US Strategic Dialogue: In New Delhi, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and US Under‑Secretary Allison Hooker co‑chaired the India–US Foreign Office Consultations (Dec 9). The talks reviewed the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership across trade, defense cooperation, energy (civil nuclear), technology, and more. Both sides reaffirmed commitments to strengthening military and technological cooperation.

1. Narendra Modi: The Indian Prime Minister celebrated Deepavali’s UNESCO recognition and hosted Italy’s Deputy PM Antonio Tajani to advance bilateral ties.

2. María Corina Machado: The Venezuelan opposition leader became the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, drawing attention to political turmoil in Venezuela.

3. Hardik Pandya: The Indian cricket captain was in the spotlight for his all-round performance in India’s T20 win over South Africa. (He scored a quick 72 and took crucial wickets, earning Man of the Match.)

4. Gaurav & Saurabh Luthra: These Goa nightclub owners were sought by authorities after the Dec 1 fire. India’s MEA said it is examining Goa’s request to cancel the brothers’ passports to facilitate extradition.

1. Cricket: India secured a 101-run victory over South Africa in a T20 series, powered by Hardik Pandya’s all-round effort. His knock and bowling spell were key in India’s win.

2. The Ashes: Australia named fast bowler Pat Cummins back into the squad for the third Ashes Test in Perth. Cummins had been initially rested after two Tests but was recalled to strengthen the attack in a must-win match.

1. Nobel Peace Prize: María Corina Machado (Venezuela) was announced as the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner.

2. National Handicrafts Awards (India): President Droupadi Murmu presented the 2023–24 National Handicrafts Awards to artisans (20 of them women), highlighting that the sector employs over 3.2 million rural workers. The awards recognize excellence in traditional crafts.

International Mountain Day: 11 December marks UN International Mountain Day. The 2025 theme is “Glaciers matter for water, food and livelihoods in mountains and beyond”, highlighting the crucial role of mountain glaciers in global ecosystems and human survival.

No major moves: There were no high-profile government appointments or resignations reported on Dec 11, 2025. (Ongoing discussions and routine reshuffles continue in various ministries, but no formal changes were announced on this date.)

Bharat 6G Mission Council: Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia chaired the apex council meeting of the Bharat 6G Mission in New Delhi Officials reviewed progress on India’s 6G roadmap and set targets to make India a global leader in 6G technology by 2030. (The meeting is part of India’s push for leadership in next-generation telecom.)

1. Kerala Elections: Kerala state announced a holiday on Dec 11, 2025, for all schools and colleges due to local body (panchayat) elections. Similarly, Telangana is expected to close schools for the Dec 10–11 panchayat poll dates.

2. J&K Weather: Jammu & Kashmir’s administration has ordered schools shut in hilly districts due to severe winter conditions and heavy snowfall.

Baba Adhav (95): Veteran Maharashtrian socialist leader and labour activist Baba Adhav passed away on Dec 8, 2025, in Pune. He was known for championing the rights of unorganised workers (porters, rickshaw pullers, etc.) and founded several labor unions. (Leaders across parties paid tributes.)

Global Trade: UNCTAD’s December 2025 trade report projects global trade (goods + services) to exceed $35 trillion in 2025, a record high (up ~7% from 2024). This growth is driven by strong demand in both goods and services despite slowing momentum toward 2026.

Notable releases: Among December’s Indian book launches are The Wrong Way Home by Shunali Khullar Shroff (a thriller) and Rukmini Aunty and the RK Narayan Fan Club by Sita Srinivasa Rao (a comedy fiction)【57†】. (Literary awards or new bestsellers were not prominently reported on Dec 11.)

1. Natural Disaster: A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck northern Tibet’s Nagqu region on Dec 11 (7:59 pm local time) at 10 km depth. There were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties.

2. International Visit: US Under‐Secretary of State Allison Hooker completed a Dec 7–11 visit to India for strategic talks (see Defense/International above) – part of ongoing US-India engagement on security, democracy, and human rights.